4 Reasons to Take God at His Word

You have my word.

Whether or not we keep our word defines our character and showcases our integrity or its lack.

Yet, birthed in a flesh suit, we often fail to follow through. Or, we bail. And people break promises to us—even repeat offenders.

While humans struggle in this department, not the Lord. God keeps His word and never contradicts His character.

We gain valuable insight about God’s word-keeping ability in Numbers 22-24.

Take God at His Word

A little of the storyline. Balaam and Balak serve as the key players (I know, not names in our current book of baby names). Balaam, a diviner of oracles, spoke God’s words to others. Balak, the son of Moab’s king, who also reigned as king, sent for Balaam’s “services” with an intriguing offer.

Because here’s the situation. On the way to Canaan, the Israelites camped (had a lay over) in the land of Moab. Troubled that the Israelites outnumbered his people, and how God helped them defeat other nations, the king devised a plan.

Balak offered Balaam a nice reward if he spoke a curse over the children of Israel. “…for I know that he whom you bless is blessed and he whom you curse is cursed” (Numbers 22:6b). 

But, Balak soon realized a sobering truth. Balaam responded, “…I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me” (Numbers 22:8b). 

You see, it was never about Balaam keeping his word, but about keeping God’s words. Though Balaam adheres to God’s instructions to bless and not curse, he later instigated a scheme that caused the Israelites to bring a curse on themselves.*

Still, Balak persisted and requested three times for Balaam to curse the children of Israel. Instead, Balaam blessed the people. “Must I not take care to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?” (Numbers 23:12).

God Keeps His Word

So Balak asked what the Lord had spoken which brings us to this verse.

“God is not a man that he should lie, or a son of man that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19). 

Take God at His word. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19  Share on X

1.) Not a Man, God Never Lies

Although humans sometimes renege on their words, even lie; clothed in the supernatural, God never goes back on His words or lies—outside of His wheelhouse. 

2.) Not the Son of Man to Change His Mind

Again, the problem stems from “flesh and bones.” We start one thing, then change our mind for another thing. Or, we neglect to make up our mind. 

Even though the Bible recounts a few instances where God “relented,” it’s not comparable to people. For instance, we are sometimes careless in declarations, not considering our words. And we demand the prerogative to change our mind at every whim. 

But God takes great care in considering His declarations and in the how and why any of His declarations are modified.

3.) What God Said, He Will Do

God always confirms His word by His works. Yet, we often act contrary to our words. 

God always confirms His word by His works. Share on X

4.) God Has Spoken, He Fulfills It

Perhaps we question whether a family member or a friend implements their part of an agreement. Listen, what God has spoken, He fulfills—without question.

You Have My Word

God not only promises to keep His word and act on our behalf, but He also reminds us we have His holy Word (Scripture). God kept His spoken and written Word in biblical stories. And He keeps them in the present…within our stories.

You have my word. ~ God Share on X

Which of the 4 reasons about taking God at His word brings you the most comfort? 

*Even though Balaam never cursed the people, he devised a plan to gain his reward. Balaam advised the Moabites to entice God’s people with idols and prostitutes. Because the children of Israel committed fornication and worshipped Baal, they brought a curse on themselves—24,000 men died from a plague (Numbers 25).

All Scripture ESV. 

First two images created in Adobe Spark. Last image is me speaking. Visit my Speaking Events page for more about booking me for your event.

*Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Ronja Oksanen/ #AboundingGrace, Rachel Lee #DestinationInspiration, Debbie Kitterman/#Dare2Hear, Lori Schumaker/#momentsofhope, Jaime Wiebel/#SittingAmongFriends, Crystal Twadell/Fresh Market Friday, Kelly Balarie/Purposeful Faith, Patricia Holbrook/Soaring With Him, Meghan Weyerbacher/TeaandtheWord, Lyli Dunbar/#FaithOnFire & Crystal Storms/Heart Encouragement.

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